ANKARA

Turkish fighter jets neutralized three PKK terrorists in northern Iraq in an air operation, according to the country’s National Defense Ministry on Thursday.

"Three PKK terrorists were neutralized by air operations in Avasin-Basyan and Sinat-Haftanin regions in northern Iraq as part of Operation Claw," the ministry said in a statement.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralize" in statements to imply the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.

On May 27, Turkey launched Operation Claw against the PKK in Hakurk. To date the ongoing offensive has neutralized dozens of terrorists.

PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq as a base to plan cross-border terror attacks in Turkey.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of some 40,000 people, including women, children and infants.